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Brainstorming: Shapeshifter Types

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Finstersang

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« on: <02-13-19/0826:27> »
At my last table, we had a (pretty cool) Cat/Nocturna Shapeshifter serving as a Covert Ops specialist. To our surprise, while there is a Dog Shapeshifter, there is no (Domesticated) Cat Shapeshifter in Run Faster, so we had to adapt the Fox Shapeshifter with some switched Qualities instead.

Makes me think: What other kinds of interesting Shapeshifter types are out there and how would you adapt them?

My top 5 Picks (besides Cats):
  • Racoon (also usable for Tanuki, Red Pandas,...)
  • Owl
  • Snake (maybe different 2-3 Subtypes for either Venomous Snakes or Pythons)
  • Octopus
  • Rat

https://shadowrun.fandom.com/wiki/Shapeshifter also mentions "Super Shifters" that can integrate multiple forms. Would be cool for NPCs, I guess  ;D
   

Wenlocke

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« Reply #1 on: <02-13-19/0833:35> »
Arguably, if you can have bird shifters, then Raven Shifters should be a thing, especially given the place of Raven in many mythologies
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DigitalZombie

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« Reply #2 on: <02-13-19/0915:45> »
Seal, dolphin and Elk shapeshifters are also mentioned in fluff.

What about reptile shapeshifters,  then you could actually play crocodile dundee.

Sharks?
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Stainless Steel Devil Rat

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« Reply #3 on: <02-13-19/0918:29> »
In a suitable setting, a Dolphin Shapeshifter would be rather fun.

Or a Gator shifting Voudoun magician :D (yes, I know there's a whole faction's worth of perfect minis for such a character over in WarmaHordes...)

Edit (damn I got slipped on both my thoughts...)
« Last Edit: <02-13-19/0924:45> by Stainless Steel Devil Rat »
RPG mechanics exist to give structure and consistency to the game world, true, but at the end of the day, you’re fighting dragons with algebra and random number generators.

Mirikon

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« Reply #4 on: <02-13-19/0955:19> »
Shark shifter would be cool, in the right campaign.

A pigeon shifter would be the ultimate spy in urban settings.
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Wakshaani

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« Reply #5 on: <02-13-19/1237:19> »
A Turkey shifter is mentioned in-game as well.

Gobble gobble, you're going down!

Finstersang

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« Reply #6 on: <02-15-19/0923:17> »
A Turkey shifter is mentioned in-game as well.

Gobble gobble, you're going down!

And remember that a shifter´s Metahuman Form bears some resemblance to the Animal. So a turkey shifter would likely have a weak chin with a saggy, wrinkly skin  ;D

Thinking about non-mammallian shifters, I can´t help but wonder which qualities and visual features would translate to the metahuman form? Would an Octopus Shifter actually have no (or a weaker) skull, or would a Croc-Shifter wear really ugly shoes have traces of scales?

Love the pigeon and raven shifters! How could I forget those!
Reminds my of the new Rigger at may table who uses a swarm of realistic pidgeon drones for surveillance. Pigeons are ideal for recon. Should be feasible by tweaking the Falcon template. Pigeons might be more Resiliant or even more Edgy (I mean, look what injuries these fuckers can withstand!), while Ravens might be more intelligent. And Owls might be more perceptive?

The pigeons make me think: Are there also Bin Chicken Ibis Shapeshifters down under? :D
« Last Edit: <02-15-19/0930:00> by Finstersang »

Wakshaani

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« Reply #7 on: <02-15-19/1711:07> »
The Festo Pigeon 2.0 is in Rigger 5. Comes with built-in Realistic Features and everything. :D